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Firefox

How to stop Firefox from making automatic connections

Comment:edit based on last revision to add "to open the [[Downloads window]]" after keyboard instructions

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Reviewed:Nov 16, 2011, 3:11:46 PM

Reviewed by:mluna

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Ready for localization:Yes

Readied for localization:Nov 16, 2011, 3:11:46 PM

Readied for localization by:mluna

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Some people are particularly concerned about the connections Firefox makes to the internet, especially when such connections are made with no apparent cause. This article will explain the various reasons why Firefox may make a connection to the internet, and how you can stop it from doing so if you so desire.

Loopback connection

A loopback connection (to IP address 127.0.0.1) can be made by Firefox on non-Unix machines. In this case the browser is communicating with itself as expected, and it is not recommended that this communication be blocked. See bug 100154 for more information.

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The about:config "This might void your warranty!" warning page may appear. Click I'll be careful, I promise!I accept the risk! to continue to the about:config page.

In the about:config page, search for the preference browser.microsummary.enabled.

Observe the Value column of the browser.microsummary.enabled row.

If it is set to false then do nothing.

If it is set to true, double-click on it to set it to false.

Extensions

An extension you have installed may be making a connection to a website that it relies on. For example, a connection to a website to synchronize your bookmarks, a connection to a website to update a list of sites to block, etc. Or it is possible an extension could be changing the expected behavior of Firefox in other ways. For example, FasterFox extension has an option to prefetch all links.

To easily disable all of your extensions please read the Troubleshoot Firefox issues using Safe Mode article, paying particular attention to the Disable all add-ons option under the Make Changes and Restart section.

Downloads restarted

When you start Firefox, any interrupted downloads from your previous browsing session may be automatically resumed.

Infected with malware

If your machine is infected with a virus, trojan, or spyware, then Firefox's internet connection may be being piggybacked in order for the malware to communicate with its author or to deliver adverts onto your machine, etc. If you suspect this is the case, consider seeking specialized advice from one of these malware support sites: